How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue novel Chapter 64

She was just stating the facts.

Queenie shot Ivan a look of surprise—how was it possible she'd never known Elodie had been married?

Ivan narrowed his eyes, taking in the obvious tension between Elodie and Jarrod. He knew Elodie well enough to see she was not the type to lose her composure—unless someone truly pushed her to the edge.

Just like now.

He leaned in abruptly and took away the coconut water sitting by Elodie's hand. "She doesn't drink coconut water," he said, matter-of-fact.

Jarrod was turned away, listening to Sylvie, and it was impossible to tell if he'd heard.

Elodie glanced at Ivan.

She had to admit—nobody understood her better than he did.

Queenie, feeling a stab of something she couldn't name, teased, "You're so good to your sister."

Ivan pulled her closer, a mischievous smile playing on his lips as he whispered something in her ear. Queenie gave him a playful shove, half-laughing, half-pouting.

Elodie watched the two of them, then turned to look at Jarrod.

Jarrod showed no reaction at all.

She knew him well—if something didn't matter to him, he simply dismissed it from his mind.

Jarrod and Sylvie were the first to leave. As they did, Jarrod turned to Alexander and said, "Mr. Sterling, would you mind stepping outside for a word?"

Alexander—never one to refuse a polite request—nodded. "Of course."

Elodie knew better than to follow.

Ivan and Queenie stood to go as well. As Elodie collected her things, her gaze landed on the keychain dangling from Queenie's phone case—a tiny, intricate model airplane.

She froze.

She recognized it instantly. She'd made it herself, back when she was a teenager—spending a week on the little project, her fingers rubbed raw by the end.

Ivan had treasured it. She remembered how upset and worried he'd been to see her hands bandaged and red.

Now, as Ivan noticed her staring at the charm, he patted Queenie's arm. "Wait for me in the car."

Queenie gave him a thoughtful look, then nodded. "Don't take too long."